Weekly expositor. (Brockway Centre, Mich.) 1882-1894, 1887-02-03
A GREAT STRIKE.
Over 10000 'Longshoremen Quit Work.

Twenty thousand men are now on strike
among the coal shovelers, 'longshoremen,
freight handlers and men employed on
the river front in New York in almost
every capacity, and the number is aug
mented to close on 10000 by the strikers
on the Brooklyn and Jersey shores. In con-
sequence it is almost impossible for any OF
the steamers for Europe or otherwise to
leave port The order went forth Jan. "a
from the headquarters Of the 'longshore-
mems union, which was backed by the
knights of labor assembly No. 40, and the
next morning the men turned out. Beach
walkers were sent out to cover all the
various points on the river fronts where
the trouble was concentrated, and they
had particular instructions to use every
means to prevent any disturbance.
The strike along the river front OK
Brooklyn went into effect the same morn
ing. All the men went out quietly
peaceably and determinedly. The
freight has accumulated on the docks
ready for shipment, while several vessels
are waiting to discharge cargoes. The po-
lice say they do not expect any trouble
with the strikers. They are on guard at
all the stores from Fulton Ferry to Red
Hook. Later in the day the authorities
saw fit as u double precautionary measure
to have the entire police force held in re-
serve so as to be ready to meet any out
break.
On the evening of January 81, the strik.
ing 'longshoremen and coal shovelers held
q large mass meeting in Cooper union,
preceded by a parade, with about l5,OOO
men in line. There was no disorder. When
the parade arrived at Cooper union they
were unable to gain admission, as the hall
was packed. An outdoor meeting was
organized and addressed by John McCaf-
frey and j. X. McKegney, who congratu-
lated the men on their prospects OF sue,
join them If necessary. Inside the large
hall were packed fully 600 people. A large
detachment of police kept order.
Hugh Greenan was chosen chairman.
to discover which power ruled this coun-
try-the power OF the government or the
power of corporations.
Victor Drury was announced as the next
speaker. He is said to be the founder of
the home club and is a leading member of
district 40 K. of L. He compared the coal
barons with medieval barons who en-
ployed desparadoes to do their bidding,
the cutting of a throat to the scuttling OF
a ship. He said in like manner to-day the
coal barons railroad kings and standard
oil monopolists are willing to slay through
Pinkerton's thugs.
Resolutions were adopted to the effect
that in view Of the alleged oppression or
wOrklngmen by the coai iaooIers, a.,
granted franchises should be repealed and
the system of hiring men for the purpose
of robbery and murder is hereby con-
demned.
John McMackin, Henry Georges lieuten-
ant. gave an emphatic protest against the
work of the Pinkerton detectives. I. b.
Mcguire. district master workman Of dis
trict assembly 40 X. Of L., said: when
the capitalist goes to church and prays
give us this day our daily bread, he IL
80 ,r;cx Tor n eure thing for his means to
cut down your wages as soon as he gets q
a chance and this secures his daily bread"
The speaker counseled them to avoid vio-
lence.